Is it Safe to Dine Out?
Many businesses have started phased reopening and for many of us this is light at the end of a very dark tunnel! Depending on your location, dining establishments that have been closed since March due to the Coronavirus pandemic are now welcoming guests to return. One of the most popular questions I have been getting as a Dietitian is “Is it risky to dine out?” Here are my thoughts and what you can do to reduce your risk.
The short answer is “yes,” there is still a level of inherent risk to dining out due to exposure to people around you. This level of risk depends on the precautions of the restaurant and safety measures put in place, as well as the person dining.
What safety measures are in place in at restaurants?
While a “zero-risk” situation is impossible at this point, restaurants are working to lower the level of risk for virus transmission several ways. New guidance for restaurants from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends general standards centered around intensified cleaning, sanitization, disinfection and ventilation (1). Reducing capacity to allow for a safe social distance (at least six feet) between tables set up both indoors and outdoors (2). Servers and restaurant staff, as well as patrons, are required to wear a mask (2). Patrons may remove their mask to eat and drink but must reapply the mask when they’re done as to prevent their own droplets from spreading to others around them (2). Masks help to contain droplets and lessen their spread from asymptomatic people, or those carrying the virus who have no symptoms.
How can I decide if its safe to dine out where I live?
Even though dining establishments are opening again, some are doing so in areas where the criteria for progress against the virus suggested by the White House for a phased reopening have not yet been met. While business reopening is a public-policy decision, dining out is a personal one. Consider checking the latest data on coronavirus cases in and around your area before deciding on whether to dine out. If there are new cases occurring every day, then assume there’s a risk for transmission in public settings like restaurants. Additionally, consider your own personal risk and the risk to those you are regularly in contact with. For those in high-risk categories, it is recommended to apply a higher level of precautions to stay safe and refrain from certain activities (3). Remember, you can still support these businesses by ordering take out or purchasing gift cards to visit again once the risk has been more considerably reduced.
What can I do to be safe should I decide to dine out?
Once you have taken into consideration of what is right for you, here are safety measures you can practice as a guest dining out.
Keep your hands clean - The CDC have stated that coronaviruses are generally thought to be spread from person to person through respiratory droplets and that “currently, there is no evidence to support transmission of COVID-19 associated with food (4).” The biggest concern regarding coronavirus and food safety, per the CDC, depends more on general hygiene than contaminated food. The first line of protection when dining out is to always wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds prior to preparing, handling or eating food, or using a hand sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol when effective hand-washing procedures are not available.
Call ahead – If you chose to partake in table service dining, call ahead to book a reservation. Better yet, ask for outdoor seating where there is more space to distance from other diners and better air circulation. While you’re on the phone with the restaurant, ask about what safety measures are in place to ensure you are comfortable with the level of risk. The restaurant may direct you to their website or social media handles for more information.
Pick your party – A gathering of groups of less than ten is still recommended in most areas. You may dine out with your residential partners and family members whom you have been quarantined with. The restaurant is likely to limit the number of people at the table as well so be sure to ask.
Look around and survey the restaurant – Make sure you see noticeable changes like less tables and chairs and eating areas spaced at least six feet apart. Servers, restaurant staff and fellow patrons should be wearing masks (if they are not eating) and you should notice a lack of crowds. If a group of people are congregating around the bar, it is likely that social distancing is not being properly enforced. If you change your mind about sit-down dining, don’t be afraid to voice your concerns. You may opt to order take out instead and enjoy your food in the comfort and safety of your own home.
Be cautious of touching shared surfaces - You’ll notice many doors propped open to restaurants and businesses to avoid having to touch doorknobs at entrance and exit areas. Use a virtual menu or seek out a chalkboard menu instead of a handheld menu. Restaurants may use paper or plastic single-use cutlery as well as paper salt/pepper, sugar and condiment packets, and if these are not in use, ask your server when placing your food order. If you must touch a shared surface, such as to move your chair out, immediately sanitize your hands after.
Safely store your mask when eating – Bring an unused brown paper bag and a hand to safely store your face mask while eating. You can also bring a back-up mask should your original mask become soiled or unwearable at any time during your visit.
Order cooked food instead of raw – As previously mentioned, experts maintain that the novel coronavirus is not a food-borne pathogen, but it is still worthwhile to cook food to the proper internal temperatures since this would likely reduce any amount of virus on the food, assuming that the food isn’t contaminated by handling after it cools. Many viruses in general are heat-sensitive, and coronaviruses tend to survive for shorter periods of time at higher temperatures and higher levels of humidity than in cooler, dryer environments. Since this virus is new, there's no current data or studies that have determined a temperature-based cutoff for inactivation, but it is likely act similarly to other coronaviruses. Restaurants should already be practicing strict food safety measures to prevent food poisoning (5).
Skip the finger foods – Choose menu items which you can eat with clean cutlery instead of your hands. You may opt to cut your burger or sandwich into mouth size pieces you can pierce with a fork or remove chicken meat from a bone with a fork and knife when enjoying wings.
Limit your stay – Many of us have been cooped up for months and we are eager to enjoy a relaxing meal out without the work and clean up. However, keep in mind that the longer you stay in an area with potential for transmission of the virus, the greater the risk that something can happen. Once you’re done with your meal, head out and let someone else take your place in the limited capacity dining area, which is a courtesy to the business owner as well!
Remember, dining out is a personal choice. Consider your environment, personal risk and those you're in close contact with before dining out. Always practice good personal hygiene when eating. If it is safest for you to wait, then do so.
The information in this article is accurate as of press time. However, the situation surrounding COVID-19 is fluid and continues to evolve. It is possible that some data have changed since publication. Readers are encouraged to stay informed on news and recommendations for their own communities by using the CDC, WHO, and their local public health department and primary care physician as resources when considering risk of patronizing open businesses during the pandemic.